Photos released by Manila DRRM office
Manila: A massive fire tore through the congested Happyland Aroma area of Tondo, Manila, on August 6, 2025, leaving destruction in its wake and displacing hundreds of families.
According to local media, the blaze started around 9am near Building 9, Aroma Compound, Road 10, Barangay 105.
Fire trucks crowd a road during a huge fire at an informal settler area in Manila on August 6, 2025. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)
Manila Fire District authorities reported that the fire rapidly grew in intensity, hitting the fifth alarm and prompting officials to raise Task Force Charlie by 10:57am due to the densely packed structures and flammable materials in the area.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) emphasized that investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing as affected families receive assistance.
The flames engulfed tightly stacked dwellings, making firefighting efforts especially challenging.
A woman carries her pet dog from her burning house after a fire gutted homes at an informal settler area in Manila on August 6, 2025. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)
According to ABS-CBN News channel, at least 725 families were forced from their homes, with city officials and local volunteers mounting a large-scale evacuation as the fire spread swiftly through the community.
No casualties have been reported so far, but video released by the Manila DRRM Office showcases the scale of property damage, showing footage of billowing black smoke and rows of homes reduced to debris.
A man on a pylon cuts electrical wires to be sold later while a Philippine air force helicopter flies using a water bucket to help in putting out a fire at an informal settler area in Manila on August 6, 2025. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)
Helicopters from the Office of Civil Defense were observed supporting the firefighting operations.
Bureau of Fire Protection officials declared the fire under control, though embers continued to pose a risk.
